Pyongyang's state media discloses information on new SLBM using solid fuel

North Korea's state-controlled newspaper revealed information on what appeared to be a new, untested submarine-launched ballistic missile called "Pukguksong-3", sparking speculation that it might have been disclosed intentionally.

A picture published by Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North's ruling Workers Party of Korea, showed leader Kim Jong-un pointing his finger at missile parts displayed in a room against the backdrop of a wall diagram titled "Underwater strategic ballistic missile Pukguksong-3".

Details of the diagram were hidden behind a group of army officers and others listening to Kim who inspected the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defense Science in charge of developing key parts for intercontinental ballistic and other strategic missiles.

It's the first time the Pukguksong-3 missile has been made public intentionally or inadvertently. State media said earlier that North Korea has been developing a new SLBM powered by solid fuel.

Kim urged the institute to step up production of solid-fuel rocket engines and warhead tips for ICBMs, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency.

[Yonhap News Photo]

Pyongyang demonstrated the Pukguksong-1 (KN-11) SLBM in a military parade on April 15 to celebrate the birth anniversary of the North's late president Kim Il-Sung. In June, the North tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile called "Pukguksong-2" using a solid fuel engine, an upgraded version of an SLBM tested earlier.

Along with ICBMs, the North's SLBM program has been a prime security concern in Seoul and Washington, though US experts believe Pyongyang is still years away from the operational deployment of a submarine carrying ballistic missile for wartime missions.